Toy Boat thumbnail 1
Toy Boat thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Toy Boat

ca. 1912 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is an example of a luxury clockwork toy made in Germany in about 1912. Naval toys such as yachts, submarines, paddle steamers and similar were popular toys for boys at this time just before toy cars appeared. Clockwork was still the most up-to-date technology in use and was extensively used to power many different types of toy from small insects to large boats such as these.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Metal
Brief description
Metal clockwork torpedo boat made in Germany by Bing about 1912
Physical description
This clockwork toy modelled on a Japanese torpedo boat is made of pressed metal probably steel and painted grey, black and dark blue. The boat is long with four funnels, two lifeboats, anchors and mounted guns of which one is missing from the bridge. Power is from a clockwork mechanism reached by lifting up the funnels. The toy has its original box with a coloured print on the lid.
Dimensions
  • Length: 71.4cm
  • Height: 16.5cm
  • Width: 8.6cm
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by R. K. Crier
Summary
This is an example of a luxury clockwork toy made in Germany in about 1912. Naval toys such as yachts, submarines, paddle steamers and similar were popular toys for boys at this time just before toy cars appeared. Clockwork was still the most up-to-date technology in use and was extensively used to power many different types of toy from small insects to large boats such as these.
Collection
Accession number
MISC.68-1969

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Record createdJanuary 5, 2004
Record URL
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